Mining machine



Nov. 25, 1941. R. K. JEFFREY 2,263,701

MINING MACHINE v Original Filed July 6, 1954 12 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOP. ROBERT K.JEFF2 EY.

Nbv. 25, 1941.

. R. K. JEFFREY MINING MACHINE;

f/VI/ENTOE,

ROBERT K JEFFREY.

Nov. 25, 1941. R. K. JEFFREY MINING MACHINE Original Filed July 6, 1934 12 Sheets-Sheet 4 Own Oru

a BI H K T 2 FL w Nov. 25, 1941. R. K. JEFFREY MINING MACHINE Original Filed July 6, 1934 12 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOQ. Qostm K. JEEFQEY.

Arr'r.

Nov. 25, 1941. R. K. JEFFREY MINING MACHINE Original Filed July 6, 1934 12' Sheets-Sheet 6 llllllll llllllllllll lllllllll [NI/ENTOP,

ROBEQT K. JEFFREY.

BY%4\ mjlm,

Nov. 25, 1941.

R. K. JEFFREY MINING MACHINE Original Filed July 6, 19354 IZSheets-Sheet 7 Q Nov. 25, 1941. R, K. JEFFREY 2,263,701

MINING MACHINE Original Filed July 6, 1934 l2 Sheets-Sheet'8 III R. K. JEFFREY 2,263,701

MINING MACHINE Original Filed July 6, 1934 12 Sheets-Sheet 10 Nov. 25, 1941.

J/Vl/ENZ'OQ. 120155121 K. JEFFREY.

CAM .m M

ATTx

- a PL I I "L i n C n v. i l .u u u .u V 41 u n L 1 1 "*9 1 v I I n4 5 I. I r x 3 0 H m 4 a 3 'H I m 3 Nov. 25, 1941. R. K. JEFFREY MINING MACHINE Original Filed July 6, 1934 12 Sheets-Sheet ll ATT'Y.

Nov. 25, 1941. v R. K. JEFFREY MINING MACHINE Original Filed July 6, 1934 12 Sheets-Sheet 12 52s are Patented Nov. 2 5, 1941 Jeffrey Manufacturing C of Ohio ompany, a corporation Application July 6, 1934, Serial No. 733.999. Re-

newed August 9, 1939. In Great Britain July 36 Claims.

My invention relates to mining machines of the universal type, and one of its objects is the provision of improved and eflicient apparatus for adjusting and controlling the operation of the cutting of kerfs in any one of various intersecting planes including horizontal planes anywhere between the floor and roof of mine chambers of varying heights, and also the cutting of kerfs in vertical or shearing planes anywhere between the ribs of mine chambers of varying widths. .Another object of the invention is the promechanism for driving the kerf-cutter from a source of power located above the base frame.

A further object of the invention is the provision of fluid-pressure motor mechanism for adjusting a kerf-cutter on a vertical'axis relative to the base frame and also on rectangularly related axes located adjacent to the kerf-cutter and operating the kerf-cutter in' its adjusted positions.

vision of mining machines of the universal type with the parts compactly arranged for operation with safety, efliciency and economy in mines where the available space forjoperation of the machine is limited.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a mining machine of the. universal type lli mounted for travelon a mine track and capable of cutting kerfs in planes approximately at the level of the mine bottom, or in the planes of a mine roof, or many intermediate horizontal planes, and also capable of cutting shearing kerfs in various upright planes intersecting the planes of the horizontal kerfs, and providing safe controlling and operating mechanism for the cutting of such kerfs and embodying in the machine; mechanism for safely and quickly eiTectingja-djustments of the kerf-cutter with a minimum amount of skill and manual labor.

A further object of the invention is the vision of improved and eilicient means for the tilting relatively to the base frame, of a supporting frame'on which mining mechanism is mounted.

Another object ofthe invention is the propro- ' vertical planes, except the driving of the chain Another object of the invention is the provision'of fluid-pressure operating and controlling mechanism for planetary power transmission gearing connected. between a motor and truck propelling mechanism in a track-mounted mining machine for effecting either transportation movements or feeding movements along the mine track in either direction.

'A further objectof the invention is the provision-in a mining machine of the universal type of hydraulic motor mechanism for effecting all of the adjustments of the chain kerf-cutter driven by a motor independently-of the hydraulic motor mechanism.

Another object of the invention is the provision of improved and eflicienthydraulic motor operated mechanism for efiecting swinging feeding movement of a kerf-cutter either on an axis within the boundaries of the kerf-cutter or onan axis spaced therefrom.

It is alsothe object of the present invention to provide improved mechanism in'a track-mounted mining machine, for efficiently cutting a shearing kerf in a working face extending across the space in advance of a curved mine track on which the machine is mounted. I v

More particularly, it is the object of the present invention to-provide in a mining machine of .the universal type having an elongated chain kerfcutter, hydraulic motor mechanism for controlling all of the adjustments and operations of V the kartcutter for cutting in horizontal and cutter which is effected independently of the on a longitudinally extending axis and combining therewith mechanism for adjusting, the elevation and inclination of the mechanism defining such longitudinal axis.

Another object of the invention is the pro-1 vision of fluid-pressure motor mechanism for adjusting a kerf-cutter on spaced-apart'vertical axes and locking the ker-f-cutter in adjusted posii plan view of the machine shown in elevation in hydraulic motor mechanisms Other objects of the invention will appear hereinafter, the novel features and combinations being set forth in the appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings,

Figs. 1 and 2, placed end to end,-represent an elevation of the universal mining machine embodying my improvements;

Figs. 3 and 4, placed end to end, represent a Figs. land 2; i

Fig. 5 is a sectionalelevation taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 2, looking in the directionof the arrows;

Fig. 6 is a sectional elevation taken on the line 6--6 of Fig. 2, looking in the direction. of the arrows;

Figs. 7 and 8, placed end to end, represent a longitudinal section elevation taken. through the longitudinal center line of the mining machine shown in plan in Figs. 3 and 4, placed end to end;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view taken on the line on the line l3-I3 of Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 14 is a sectional elevation taken on the line l4|4 of Fig. 5, looking in the direction of the arrows; v

Fig. 15 is a sectional elevation taken on the line l5-l5 of Fig. 1'1, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 16 is a sectional elevation taken on the line I6-I6 of Fig. 3, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 17 1s a sectional plan view showing the truck and the turntable adjusting mechanism;

Fig. 18 is a sectional view taken on the line l8-l8 of Fig. 21, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 19 is a sectional elevation taken on the line |9--l9 of Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 26 is a section taken on the line 20-46 of Fig. 19; looking in the direction of the arrows; I Fig. 21 is a section taken on the line 2l--2| of Fig. 19, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 22' is a diagrammatic view showing the controlling and operating mechanism for the hydraulic motors including the piping connections thereto;

Figs. 23, 24, 25, 26 and 2'7 show details of the controlling valve devices shown diagrammatically in Fig. 22;

Fig. 28 shows diagrammatically the range of adjustment in elevation of the chain kerf-cutter when occupying. a horizontal plane above all other parts of themachine;

Fig. 29 shows the range of adjustment of the chain kerf-cutter upwardly from a position in a horizontal plane approximately in the plane of the mine bottom;

Fig. 30 represents diagrammatically various adjustments of the kerf-cutter when in a shearing position in a vertical plane parallel to the mine track;

Fig. 31 shows the relative positions of the parts of the machine for making a sumpingcut rectilinearly into a working face extending across the space in advance of the mine track;

Fig. 32 represents the relative positions of the elements of the machine for a longwall operation;

Fig. i 33 represents the position of the chain kerf-cutter for transportation along a mine track in a low'roof mine entry; and

Fig. 34 represents diagrammatically in plan view the relative positions of the parts of the machine for enabling the kerf-cutter to shear a kerf while the mining machine moves along a curved mine track.

Although the mining machine is shown in the accompanying drawings as being wheel-supported for travel along a mine track, it may be supported for sliding movement along the mine bottom in which event rope or cable haulage mechanism may be relied on to transport the machine about the mine or eifectcertain feeding movement thereof along rectilinear paths parallel to the longitudinal center line of the supporting framework. Or, if desired, the mining machine may be mounted for transportation and for such feeding movements, on crawler treads operated in a well-known manner. I prefer, however, to mount the mining mechanism for tilting movements on longitudinal and transverse intersecting axes as hereinafter fully explained.

By referring to Figs. '1, 8, 11, 12 and 17, it will be seen that the rear portion of the base frame 35 is provided with spaced-apart bearings 36, 36 in which are journaled the trunnions 31, 31 secured to the front and rear sides of the rear axle housing 38 which extends transversely across the bottom of. the rear portion of the base frame 35. The rear axle 39 is journaled in bushings at the ends of the axle housing 38. The rear wheels 46, 46 are secured to the ends of the axle 39 to rotate therewith.

The front wheels 4|, 4| are secured to the ends of the front axle 42 and the latter .is journaled in bushings 43, 44 in the separate transversely extending housings or bearings 45 and 46, as shown in Fig. 17.1 By means of a collar 41 secured to the axle 42, the bearing 45 moves laterally bodily with the axle 42. At the ends of the bearing 46, however, small clearances are provided at 48 and 49 to permit a slight lateral movement of the bearing 46 relative to the axle 42.

Pivotally mounted on the base frame 35 by I means of a king-pin 56 (Fig. 13) is a turntable comprising a circular plate 5| on top of which is secured a platform 52, to the lower side of which is secured a ring 53 concentric with the vertical axis of -the king pin 50. .Mounted on the base frame 35 is a bracket frame 54 which carries a series of horizontal pins 55, 55 on which are journaled the supporting rollers 56, 56 as shown in Fig. 17. By means of brackets 51, 51 at the inner ends of the pins 55,55the rollers 56 are held in their positions shown in Fig. 1'1, so as to be directly underthe ring 53 and engaged thereby. (Fig. 13.) It will thus be seen that when the platform 52 occupies a horizontal plane.

v.motors 66, 66. Within the cylinders are pistons 6|, 61 connected to forwardly extending piston rods 62, 62 movable through adjustable stufling boxes 63, 63. and having their forward ends connected by screws 64 to the rack bars 65, 65.

By referring to Figs. '1, 8 and 13, it will be seen that depending from the peripheral edge of the horizontal plate 5| is a large spur gear 66 concentric with the vertical axis of rotation of the turntable and the mining mechanism mounted thereon. The rack bars 65, 65 are guided along slide bearings 61, 61 in position to'mesh with diametrically opposite sides of the spur .gear 66 of Fig. 12..

integral'with the turntable as shown-in Fig. '7,

and the latter may-be connected to the platform 52 by means'of the pins 68, 69 as shown in Figs.

7 and 17. When the pistons 6| of the hydraulic motors 69 are moved in opposite directions under the control of the hydraulic circuits and connections shown in Fig. .22, the spur. gear 66 is rotated in one direction or the other to effect rotation of the turntable and the mining mechanism mounted thereon, and, as hereinafter described in connection with Fig. 22, the pistons 6| may be locked in adjusted positions and thereby effect locking of the turntable in adjusted position relative to the base frame 35.

Mounted on the forward end of the base frame 35 are spaced-apart cylindrical supports 69,69

for the hydraulic motors comprising cylinders I9, 19' in which are movable pistons II having depending piston rods 12, 12' movable through stuffing boxes 13 in the lower cylinder heads above this plate is a cylindrical plate 19 secured to the topof the supporting block I1 and provided with an opening in its center for loosely receiving the piston rod 12 immediately above its lower enlarged head 15.

Extendin'g rearwardly from the axle housin 45 is an arm 89, the rear end of which is provided with a cylindrical opening 9| for receiving a bushing 82 having an interior surface which diverges from the center to both ends of the movements of the axle housing 45 and 46. When the link 9| compels the arm 89 to move laterally on the vertical axis of the pin 86, the axle 42 I bushing. An annular flange 83 at the upper end of the bushing 82 is adapted to engage the ring 'wear plate 94 which is located on the lower side hydraulic motors I9, 19" individually and independently of each other to-secure tilting movements of the platform 52 on the longitudinal axis v of the trunnions 31 shown in Fig. 7, as hereinafter described in connection with Fig. 22 showing the hydraulic circuits and connections, the link 91 is relied on to maintain the wheels 4| and 4| on the ends of the axle 42 in their proper relations to the rails of a mine track. The wheel 4| .and collar 41 prevent the axle 42 from having an endwise movement in the axle housing 45 and consequently when the axle housing 45 is,

lifted or lowered by its hydraulic motor 19, relative to the base frame 35, there will be an endwi'se movement of the axle 42- relative to the base frame as determined by the arcuate movement of the pivot 92 at the outer end of the link 9|,

but the-latter retains the axle housing in a predetermined relation to the base frame 35. Such endwise movement of the axle 42 is relatively small and isv not interfered with by. the axle housing 46 because of the clearances at the ends thereof, as indicated at 48 and 49 in Fig. 1'7. The pivotal'connections between the rear ends of the arms 89 and 89' and the bottom of the base frame 35 permit vertical as well as lateral may slide endwise in the axle housing 46 as permitted by the clearances at 48 and 49. It is not desired to exert any strains laterally on the lower ends of the piston rods 12, I2 and the recesses I6, and the hole in the plate 19 should therefore be sufliciently large to prevent any binding strain on the piston rods 12, I2. Inasmuch as the axle 42 is journaled in the bushings 43 and 44, such lateral movement as may be imparted by the link 9| to the arm 99 may be provided for by a loosely fittingconnection between the rear end of the arm 99 and the depending bearing 86.

head 99 for engaging the lower side of the rear end of the arm 99. The'upper annular surface of the head 99 is spaced sufficiently from the wear plate 84 to permit theaxle housing 45' to fulcrum on the bearing 86 when the piston II is moved up or down inthe cylinder 19. It should also be understood that there is sufficient play extends forwardly from the axle housing 46 and this supporting block 11 has a recess therein similar to that shown in Fig. 12, for receivingan enlarged head at thelower end of the piston rod .92 which head is confined by thering plate 19' as described in connection with Fig; 12.

Extending rearwardly from the axle housing 46 as shown in Fig. 17 is an arm 89' connectedto a bearing pin 86 as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 17. The connection between the rear end of the arm 8 9"and the bottom of the base frame 35 Inasmuch as the turntable 5| and the platform 52 are mounted on the rollers 56 for rotation on the vertical axis of the king-pin 59, the-latter is flexibly connected between the turntable 5| and the base frame 35 by means of the construction shown in Fig. 7 as hereinafter more fully described. The upper end of the king-pin 59 is provided with ahead 93 which is. located in a recess 94 and rests against an'upwardly flaring annular seat so that the king-pin 59 may have a limited lateral movement as permitted by the cylindrical opening 96 in the depending hub 91,

in which opening the king pin 59 loosely fits.

-Mounted on the outer surface of the hub 91 is ,the inner race 98 of 'a ball bearing 99, the outer face I99 of which has its inner surface I9I spherical in shape to permit a limited tilting of the turntable 5| in any direction relative to the cylindrical support I92 which carries the outer race I99. A ball bearing retaining device I93 fits a in the ring support I92 and is provided at its is similar to that shownat the right-hand end;-

' Depending from the v frame 35 is abracket plate 89 to which is pivoted,

. as shown at 99 in Figs. 11 and 17, an equalizing link 9|, the other end of which is pivoted, as indicated at.92 in Figs. 11 and 1'7; to the axle housing I 45. -Inasmu'ch as it is desired to operate the front end of the base lower side with an annular flange I94 which rests against an annular shoulder I95 in the cylindrical support I96 which depends from the bottom of the'base frame 35.

The king pin 59 extends loosely through a central opening |9'| at the center of the ball bearing retainer |93. At the lower central portion of the retainer I93 is secured a circular bearing block I98 having'a central opening through which the king pin 59 loosely extends. The lower surface of the circular bearing block I98 is spherical in shape to receive the upper race I98 of the ball bearing I99, the lower race 9 of which rests on the ring cup retainer III which is mounted in adjustable position on the nut I I 2 screw-threaded to the lower end of the king pin 50 and locked in adjusted position by the cross-pin II3. It will thus be seen that when the turntable 5| together with the platform 52 are rotated on the axis of the king pin 50, slight universal tilting of the turntable and platform will be permitted by the spherical surfaces at the inner surface of the race I and at the outer surfaceof the race I08 which keep the races of the ball hearings in proper relations to each other. That is to say, the tumtable may be rotated in either direction without iriterfering with the efficiency of the ball bearings, while at the same time permitting the lower ball bearing shown in Fig. 7 to resist upward thrust brought on the king pin 50 whenever there isany tendency for the forwardly overhanging structure of the mining machine to tilt the platform 52 off the rear supporting rollers or those designated 56 in Fig. 1'7.

It should be particularly understood that the turntable 5| and the platform. 52 are so connected to the base frame 35 as to move bodily therewith whenever the base frame is tilted on the horizontal transverse axis of the axle 30 or on the longitudinal horizontal axis of the trunnions 31, 31. It is intended that there shall be only a'very slight universal tilting of the turntable 5| relative to the base frame 35 as permitted by the ball bearings shown in Fig. '7 and the mechanism associated therewith and withthe king pin 50. In other words, the pivotal connection at the king pin 50 between the turntable 5| andthe base frame 35 is such as to permit universal yielding of the turntable relative to the base frame 35 so that the platform 52 may accommodate itself without distortion or undue strain to such irregularities as there may happen to be in the spaced-apart supporting rollers' 56' and the mountings therefor.

As shown in Fig. 13, the recess 94 for the head 93 of the king pin- 50 may be closed by means of the horizontal plate Ill. The platform 52 may be 'detachably connected to the turntable 5| by means of the bolts H5, H5. Also,-as shown in Fig. 13, the frame 54 of Fig. 17 as well as the brackets 51 of Figs. 7 and 17 may be integral with the base frame 35. The bearings for the rollers 56 may each comprise a pin 55 secured to the peripheral frame 54.

By referring to Fig. 15 which is a section taken on the line I5I5 of Fig. 17 looking in the direction.of the arrows, it will be seen that the rear axle housing 30 is mounted to slide in the vertical guideways II6, 'I I6 which depend from the bottom of the base frame 35. This rear axle housing guiding structure is located in spaced-apart positions on opposite sides of the trunnions 31, 31 and provides a means for maintaining the axle housing 30 in its proper relation to the base frame 35 when the'latter is tilted on the longitudinal axis of the trunnions. I

ture shown in Fig. 15 to anchor the supporting framework of the machine relative to the track when the kerf-cutting mechanism, hereinafter described, ispperated for effecting the cutting of arcuate kerfs in horizontal planes or vertical inspection or repair.

to anchor the framework of the machine relative to the mine track, both the rear axle and the front axle could be held by the brake mechanism I20 against rotation. It will also be seen that when the brake I20 is released and the rear axle is driven, power will be transmitted through the chain II1 to the front axle 42 to positively drive the latter at the same time that the rear axle 30 is. being driven.

The mechanism for supporting the kerf-cutting apparatus on the platform 52 so as to rotate with the turntable 5| comprises castings I2I, I2I which may be welded to the top of the platform 52 as illustrated in Fig. 13, the latter being a view taken on the line I3I3 of Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows. The rear ends of the castings I2I, I2I are provided with bearing blocks I22, I22 for the transverse pivot bar I23. (Fig. 3). The hubs I24, I24 and I25, I25 atthe rear ends of the arms I26, I26 and I21, I21 are keyed to the pivot bar I23 as illustrated at I28 in Fig. 1. The forwardly extending arms I20, I20 and I30, I30 are provided with hubs I3I, I3I and I32, I32 keyed as indicated at I33 in Fig. l, to the transversepivot bar I34 shown in Figs. 1, 3 and 8.

The transverse pivot bar I34 is journaled in bearings I35, I35 which extend'laterally from the casing I36 as shown in Figs. 3 and 8. The casing I36 is rigidly attached at its rearward end to the forward end of the frame of an electric motor M, the rear end of which is entirely closed by the casing I31 which is provided with screwthreaded hand-hole cover plates I36, I38 which when removed render the brushes and the commutator of the electric motor M accessible for To the front end of the casing I36, as shown in Fig. 8, is rigidly welded, as indicated at I30, the cylindrical bearing support I40 in a cylindrical opening I in the forward end of the casing I36 so as to occupy a downwardly inclined position when the casing I36 and the motor M are horizontal, as shown in Fig. 8.

To the front end of the motor shaft I42 is secured a bevel pinion I43 which meshes with a horizontal bevel gear I44keyed to the upper end of the shaft I45, to the lower end of which is keyed the bevel gear I46, as shown in Fig. 8.

The bevel gears-I44 and I46 are respectively provided with hubs I41 and I48 which are mounted in upper and lower thrust bearings I49 and I50. The upper thrust bearing I40 is mounted in an annular re'cess on the underside of the cap plate I5I which is detaehablyconnected by means of cap screws I52 to the cover plate I53 which in turn is detachably connected by means of 'the cap screws I54 to the upper side planes. A sprocket chain I I1 as shown in Fig. 17

meshes with sprockets H0 and II! connected to the rear and front axles so that. when the brake mechanism I20 is applied to one of the wheels 40 of the casing I36. The lower thrust bearing I50 is mounted in an annular recess on the upperside of the bottom cap plate I 55 which may be detachably secured to the ,-,casing I36 by means of the cap screws I56.

It should be particularly noted that the connections between the peripheral portion pf'the' cover plate I53 and the casing I36 and the eonnections between the peripheral portions of the cap plate I5I and the cover plate I53 and the peripheral connections between the cap plate I55 and the casing I36 are angular in cross-section as shown in Fig. 8, so as to keep dust and dirt from entering the casing and interfering with the lubrication of the bearings therein. The

' rear end of the motor is also provided with a flame-proof casing I31 andboth the latter and the casing at the front end of the motor M are gear I60 meshes with the bevel gear I6I keyed to the shaft I62, to the outer endof which is keyed the sprocket I63 with which meshes the cutter chain I64 mounted to travel along the guides on the cutter bar I65. It will thus be seen that when the electric motor M is operated, power is transmitted. through'the bevel gearing shown in Figs. 6 and 8, to the sprocket I63 to drive the chain cutter including the cutting bits I66 which are mounted in the bit-holders I61, as shownin Fig. .4. r By means of cap screws and locking mechanism therefor as shown at I68 and I69 in Fig.8,

annular flange 202 located between the crossplate I84 and the cutter frame I81. It will thus be seen that when the cutter bar I65 rotates on the axis of the shaft I62, the bushing 200 and its annular flange 202 slide against the relatively stationary surfaces at the outer periphery of the bearing block I98 and the underside of the cross-- the bevel gears I51 and I59 are held against the inner races of the roller thrust bearings I10, I1I, as shown in Fig. 8. The roller thrust bearings are mounted on the enlarged portions I12 and I13 of the end portions of the shaft I58, in annular seats at the ends of the tubular bearing I40. Additional annular seats in the ends of the tubular bearing I are provided for'the'packing rings I14 and I15..

A turnover head I16 is provided with a rearwardly extending tubular portion I11 the extremities' of which are fitted withbushings I18,

I19 secured thereto and journaled on end por-' tions of the cylindrical bearing I40, as shown in Fig. 8. The bushing I19 is provided with a rear annular flange I80 located between the rear end IOI in Fig; 8 and may be integral with the rearwardly extending tubular portion I11. The ends of the cylinder I8I are covered by the spacedapart bracket plates I83 which are attached by means ofthe cap screws I82 to an inner cylinder 208 hereinafter described. Fitting into an annular groove I85 at the periphery of the plate I84 .35. apart bracket plates I83 and the connecting inshaft I58. Such cylindrical portion is designated is a retaining ring I86 which may be composed of two semi-circular portions secured to the cutter frame I81 by means of cap screws I88, as indicated in Fig. 8. The cutter bar I65 is suitably supported by the cutter frame I81 for adjustment relative thereto by means of the cutter chain slidable adjusting mechanism I89 comprising the head I90 connected to the cutter bar, 'a

screw I9I threaded-through a portionof the cutter frame I81, and a collar I92 adapted .to receive a turning tool.

Riyeted to the upper side of the sprocket I63,

as shown in Fig. 8, is a ring plate I93 against Y which is thrust by 'means' of the springs I94, a ring I95 mounted to slide on spaced-pins, one of which is shown at I96 in Fig. 8. The ring I95.

held in place by the cap screw 2.

plate I84, as viewed in Fig. 8. A lubricating packing ring 203 may be located in an annular recess in the outer periphery of the bearing block Between. the sprocket I63 and an annular seat in the bearing block I98 is a roller thrust bearing 204. Extending inwardly from the bearing block I98 is a sleeve 205 to form a cylindrical bearing for the spaced-apart split rings 206 which fit in annular spaced-apart grooves in the enlarged portion 201 of the shaft I62.

The cross-plate I84 may be made in two parts secured together, with eachpart integral withthe bracket plates I83, I83, as shown in Fig. 6. The bracket plates I83, I83. may be secured to the inner cylinder 208 by means of the cap screws I82 as shown in Fig. 6, and the cylinder 206 fitted against the irmer sides of the bracket plates I83 and against the guiding shoulders 209, 209. The inner cylinder is journaled within the outer cylinder I8I and the inner peripheral edges of the inner cylinder 208 are guided along the annular shoulders 209, 209 on the innerfaces of the bracket plates I83. By means of the ring I86 fitting in the annular groove I65 in the crossplate I84, the cutter frame v I81 together with the chain kerf-cutter'mounted thereon is supported by the rigid unit comprising the spacedcylinder 'I8I, the cutter bar is moved along arcuate lines transversely ofitself. The upper end of the sprocket shaft I62 .is provided with a cup shaped cap.2l0 which is the lower edge of the cap.2l0 and the collar 2I2 on the shaft I62 is located the inner race of a roller thrust bearing 2I3, the outer race of which rests on an annular seat 2I4 of a. cylindrical support 2I5 located intermediate the ends of the transverse axle 2I6. One end of the axle 2I6 is joumaled in the bearing 2" formedby an inwardly extending hub at the center of the right-hand plate I83 as viewed in Fig. 6. An enlarged head 2I8 on one ezfd of the axle 2I6 rests against the outer end of. the hub bearing 2". The other end of the axle 2I6 is provided with a cap 2I9 which is secured in place by the cap screw 220, and the cap 2I9 is demanded in the bearing 22I which is in the form of a hub extending outwardly from the left-hand plate I83, as viewed in Fig. 6. Thebevel gear I60 is provided with a hub 222 which is journaled by means of the thrust bearings 223 and 224 on that portion. of the axle 2I6 intermediate the cap 2 I9 and the cylindrical support 2I5.

It should be particularly noted that irrespective of the position of the cutter bar I65, whether in a horizontal plane, a vertical plane or in any other plane, the bearings for the sprocket shaft I62 and for the axle 2I6 will be maintained in position for eflicient operation of the power transmission mechanism between the shaft I58 and the chain driving sprocket I63, since the support for the cutter bar' is effected by the cyl- Between mission mechanism within the same.

Pivotally connected to the upper portions of the bracket plates I83 by means of the pins 225,

225 as shown in Fig. 6, are rearwardly extending links 226, 226, the rear ends of which are journaled on the ends of the laterally extending bars 221, 221, the intermediate portion 228 of which provides spaced-apart cross-heads orrollers 229, 229-movable along the guides 230, 230 mounted on the forward end of the cylinder bed plate 23I, as shown in- Fig. 4. The bed plate 23I may be secured by means of the cap screws 232, 232 to the upper side of the rearwardly extending tubular portion I11 of the turnover head I16, as shown in Fig. 2.

Mounted on the bed plate 23I is a hydraulic motor comprising a cylinder. 233 and a piston 234 movable therein and provided with a piston rod 235 extending through the stufling box 236 and secured at its outer end to the cross-head bar 228. When this hydraulic motor is operated to move the piston 234 toward the right, as viewed in Fig. 8, the cutter bar will be swung transversely of its plane on the axis of the axle 2I6 with the outer end of the cutter bar moving in a downward direction. When the piston 234 is moved toward the left the cutter bar will be swung transversely of its plane with its outer end moving upwardly. The cutter bar may be locked in its adjusted position by locking the piston 234 in the cylinder 233 as hereinafter described in connection with Fig. 22.

The elongated chain kerf-cutter including the cutter bar I65 and the endless chain cutter mounted thereon may be swung either for feeding or adjustment purposes, on the axis of the shaft I62 by means of the hydraulicmotors 231 and 238 operated in opposite directions. These hydraulic motors are pivotally connected at 238 239 to supporting plates 240, 240 which are secured to and extend laterally from the bracket plates I83, I83, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4. Extending forwardly from the pistons in the cylinders of the hydraulic motors 231 and 238are piston rods 24I, 2, the forward ends of which are pivoted at 242, 242 to brackets 243, 243 rigidly secured to the cutter frame I81. -The axes of the pivots 239, 239 ,and'242, 242 are parallel to each other and also parallel to the axis of the sprocket shaft I62. By effecting movement of the pistons in the motors 231 and 238 in oppo site directions as hereinafter explained in connection with the diagram shown in Fig. 22, the cutter bar may be swung in either direction on the axis of the sprocket shaft I62 and locked in adjusted position by confining the pistons in the cylinders of the motors 231 and 238. Such locking of the cutter bar in adjusted position is desirable when rectilinear feeding of the kerfcutter is to be effected. When the kerf-cutter is fed arcuately on the axis of the sprocket shaft I62, it is preferred to swing the cutter bar in an anti-clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 4, so that the cutter bits emerging from the coal. face will sweep the cuttings from the kerf during the operation'of the kerf-cutter.

However, if the cutter bits I66 are-reversed in the bit-holders I61, the kerf-cutter may be fed arcuately in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 4.. It is therefore desirable to mount the cylinders of the hydraulic motors 231, 238 to resist the'rearward thrusts whether the kerfcutter is fed arcuately inone direction or the other.

" sleeve 205.

2,263,701 inder units independently of the power trans- In order to permit the sleeve bearing 205, shown in Fig. 8, to extend into the chamber in which the bevel gear I6I is located, a slot 244 is provided in the lower portion of the cylinder I8I, this slot having a width equal to the diameter of the sleeve 2 05. The inner end of the sleeve 205 fits in and extends through a circular opening in the inner cylinder 208. The inner end of the'sleeve 205 always moves bodily with the. inner cylinder 208. A slot 245 in the inner cylinder 208 is provided for the rear hub portion of the bevel gear, I59, and it is desirable to prevent dust and dirt from entering the chamber within the cylinder 208 when the outer end of the cutter bar is moved upwardly from its position shown in Fig. 8. .A sealing plate 246 is therefore mounted in a recess 241 in the outer surface of the cylinder 208, as shown in Fig. 8. This plate 246 has the width shown in Fig. 6 and is provided with a slot having a width equal to the diameter of the bearing A narrow slot 248 in the sealing plate 246 receives the inner end 249 of a screw 250 which may be locked in place by-the nut 25I, as

shown in Fig. 8. The screw 250 is mounted in the outer" cylinder I8I and therefore acts as a fixed abutment engageable by the ends of the slot 248. When the inner cylinder 208 is moved in a clockwise direction, it tends to carry with it the sealing plate 246 but when the upper end of the slot 248 engages the fixed abutment 249 the movement of the sealing plate 246 stops while the inner cylinder 208 continues to rotate as permitted by the slots 224 and 245. When the cylinder 208 is moved in an anti-clockwise direction the sealing plate 246 tends to move with it until the lower end of the slot 248 engages the fixed abutment 249 in a position where the left-hand end of the sealing plate 246 will be in overlapping relation with the left-hand end of the slot 244 and the lower end of the slot 245, thus preventing access through the slot 244 to the interior of the cylinder 208. The sliding sealing plate 246 therefore acts automatically when the cutter bar is swung transversely of its plane to always keep the chamber within the cylinder 208 entirely closed from the external atmosphere.

A transverse thrust bar 252 is detachably and rigidly securedto the bracket plates I83, I83 by means of plates 253 and cap screws 254, as shown in Fig. 2. This cross-bar is thus secured to the plates I83, I83 against movement in any direction. The outer ends of the cross-bar 252 are provided with holes for receiving. the pins 255 projecting from the lower sides of the cylinders of the hydraulic motors 231 and 238. The upper sides of these cylinders are provided with pins 239, 239 which extend into openings in thrust blocks 256 which are slidable laterally into the guideways 251, 251 On the undersides of the brackets 240, and the slide blocks 256 may be held in place by pins as shown at 258 in Fig. 6. It will thus be seen that forward and rearward thrusts on each cylinder are resisted by the lower pins 255 fitting in openings in the ends of the cross-thrust bar 252 and by the upper pins 239 fitting in openings in the thrust blocks 256 which are fitted in spaced-apart lateral extending guideways in both sides of the lateral extending brackets 240 secured rigidly to the outer sides of the bracket plates I83, I83.

Referring now to the mechanism for turning over the head I16 together with the cutter bar, on the axis of the shaft I58, as shown in Figs. 8, 9 and 10, it will be seen that a worm gear 259 is mounted on the rear end of the tubu1ar portion the casing I36 is provided with an. annular shoulder 260 forming an annular recess 20I for receiving the two halves ofa retaining ring-262 which is rigidly secured to the worm gear 259 by means of' the cap screws 203. These cap screws extend through an annular flange 204 which may be integral with the tubular support I 11, and consequently the worm gear 259 is rigidly connected to the tubular support I11 to rotate therewith while the rear end of the tubular support is journaled in. the bushing I19 and the annular flange I80 thereof.

By referring to Fig. 5, it will be seen that th cylindrical bearing I40 is hollow but provided with inwardly extending radial ribs 205 arranged parallel to the shaft I58. The elongation of the cylindrical support I40 reinforced by the spaced ribs 265 on the interior thereof, affords a very rigid support for the mechanism mounted thereon, while the thrust bearings I and III are kept in proper alinement, and furthermore the indicated by the bushings I18 and I19 in Fig. 8.

As shown in Fig. 5, a worm 256 meshing with the worm gear 259 is connected to a worm shaft 261 the ends of which are mounted in roller thrust bearings 268, 269. These roller thrust mg 210 to entirely enclose the wormgearing 296, 259. The rear edges of the casing 210 and the cover plate 215 fit over arcuate seats 211 and when the port 293 is used as a supply port and the port 294 is used as an exhaustport, the roration of the cylinder block will be in an anticlockwise direction as indicated by the arrow 299 in Fig. 14.

It should be noted that while the worm gear 259 is rigidly connected to the rear end of the neck I11 of the turnover head I10 to rotate bodily therewith, the worm shafts 201 and 282 are elongation of the cylindrical support I40 affords a distribution of the mounting of the tube I11; as

form 52.

218 on the front end of the gear casing I35,'as shown in Fig. 8. The seats 211 and 218 are concentric and preferably located in adjacent planes extending at right angles to the axis of the shaft I58. The head I10 together with the cutter bar may be rotated to any extent desired without opening the enclosure to the atmosphere. At the outer end of the casing 210 and the cover. 215 an annular lubricating packing ring 219 engages the neck portion I11 of the head I16, as shown in -Fig. 8.

Keyed to the worm shaft 231, as shown in Figs. 5 and 10, is a worm gear-280 with which meshes a worm 28I connected to a shaft 282 the ends of which are mounted in the ball bearings 283, 283, asshown in Fig. 9. One end of the shaft 282 is connected by the flexible coupling 284 to the rotary cylinder block 285, to the central opening of which is secured a bushing 280 journaied on the bearing 281 secured rigidly by means of mechanism including the nut 288., to the cover 299 which in turn isdetachably secured by means of the cap screws 290 to the casing 29I.

The rotary hydraulic motor 292 is shown in detail in Fig. 14 which is a section taken on the line I4-I4 of Fig. 5, looking in the direction of the arrows. Supply and exhaust ports 293, 294 in the stationary bearing block 291 co'mmunicate with the radial cylinders in the rotary block 285 in which cylinders are mounted pistons 295 for reciprocation within the inner race 293 of the ball bearing 291,-the outer race 298 of which fits" the inner wall of the motorcasing. The ball bearing is mounted eccentrioally of the axis of rotation of the cylinder block 285 and therefore mounted in casings which are rigidly connected to the gear casing I36. The hydraulic motor 292 and the worm gearing 28I, 280 and 265 are mounted on the gear casing I30. The rear edges of the casing 210 and the cover 215 therefore fit on the seats 211 and 210 in stationary position relative to the gear casing I36. .The motor casing 29 is secured by means of cap screws as illustrated at 300 in Figs. 4 and 9 to the gear casing 210', and the latter in turn maybe secured to the gear casing I36 by means of the cap screws I, as shown in Fig. 10.

As shown in Figs. 3 and 7, a supporting bracket motor casing I31, and is provided with rearwardly extending bearing arms 303, 303' in the rear ends of which are journaled the trunnions'304, 304 which extend laterally from the cylinder 305 of the vertical hydraulic motor 308. A piston 301 is reciprocable vertically in the cylinder 305 and is provided with a piston rod 308 which exj tends through a stuflirg box 309 to a pivotal connection at 3I0 to the. rear end of the'plat- As hereinafter described in connection with Fig. 22, the cylinder 305 may be locked at various elevations relative to the platform 52 so that when desired the trunnions 304 may be relied on as a fixed pivot for the rear end of the supporting unit comprising the motor rigidly connected to the'gear casing I36, shown in Fig. 8, with the latter in turn rigidly connected to the elongated cylindrical bearing I40.

As shown in Fig. 3, the hubs I24 and I25 at the rear ends of the arms I20 and I21 may be pinned to the bearing bar I23 as indicated at 3 and an. The hubs HI and I32 at the front ends oi. the arms I29 and I30 may be pinned to the bearing bar I34 as indicated at 3I3, 3I4. Consequently, the pairs of arms. at the lateral sides of the motor M may be regarded'as link structures 3I5, 3I5 connecting the transverse bearing bars I29 and I34, the bearing bar I23-being on a fixed transverse axis relative to the platform 52, while the bearing bar I34 is on afixed axis relative to the supporting unit comprising the motor M, thegear casing I36 and" the elongated cylindrical bearing I40. When the link structures 3I5, 3I5 are swung upwardly or downwardly on the rear transverse axis of the bearing bar I23 the rear end of such supporting unit tilts on the axis of the trunnions 304 at the rear end of the bearing arms 303, as shown in Fig. 3 (see also Fig. 28)

For the purpose of swinging the link structures 3I5 on the transverse axis of. the bearing bar,

outer trunnions 3I9, 3l9 are mounted in bearings between the adjacent en 5 of the arms I26 and I29, and the inner trunnio s 320 are mounted in bearings between the arms I21 and I30, as shown in Fig. 3.

Each of the hydraulic motors 3I6, 3I6 comprises a piston 32I reciprocable in the cylinders 3I1, 3I1 connected to piston rods 322, the lower ends of which are connected to transverse pins 323 mounted in the castings I2I, I2I welded to the top ofthe platform 52, as shown in Fig. 13

- which is a sectional view taken on the line I'3-I3 of Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows. As shown in Figs. 1 and 7, the piston rods 322 are inclined upwardly and forwardly from the upper surface of the platform 52 when the axis of the armature shaft of the motor M is horizontal. Such inclination of the piston rods 322 also occurs when the forward end of the cylindrical support I11 is tilted downwardly as illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 29. When, however, the cylindrical support I11 is tilted upwardly to the position diagrammatically shown in Fig. 28, the piston rods 322 incline rearwardly.

The great flexibility of adjustments of the chain kerf cutter'ar'e illustrated diagrammatically in Figs. 28, 29 and 30. When the pistons in the hydraulic motors 3| 6 are locked against movement in either direction, the transverse axis ator to locate the cutter bar I65 in a plane below the level of -the mine track rails 324 on which the machine is mounted and along which it is adapted to travel. When the kerf-cutter is in its bottom cutting position in a horizontal plane, as shown in Fig. 29, the cutter head I16 will be held rigidly in adjusted position relative to the supporting framework of the machine because the hydraulic adjusting motors are selflocking and the worm gearing for the turnover head mechanism is self-locking. When the kerf-' cutter is in its bottom cutting position, as shown in Fig. 29, it may be fed arcuately about pivot I62 by means of the oppositely acting hydraulic motors 231, 23a. In addition, arcuate feeding about the pivot 50 is provided by oppositely acting hydraulic motors 60. When sumping and withdrawal feeding movements are to'be made the hydraulic motors 60, 231 and 238 may be relied on to lock the cutter bar at an acute angle relative to the path of travel of the machine along the mine track. Such rectilinear feeding movements may be effected by moving the entire machine along a mine track at a feeding speed as hereinafter described in connection with the i1- lustration at the left-hand portions of Figs. 1 and 3.

By referringto Figs. 29 and 33, it will be seen I that the overall height of the machine is relatively low when the supporting unit 3251s in its lowest position. The rear upper surface 326 of the supporting unit 325 is inclined down: wardly and rearwardly as indicated in Fig. 33, so that when the kerf-cutter occupies its bottom cutting position shown in Fig. 29 said surface 326 will be approximately horizontal thereby still retaining the overall height of the machine in its bar inverted relative to its bottom cutting position shown in Fig. 29. Fig. 1 shows that the truck propelling mechanism and other apparatus mounted on the rear platform 321 also occupies a relatively low position so that the entire ma-' on to adjust the kerf-cutter to any horizontal plane between the floor and roof 'of a relatively low roof mine chamber, thereby eliminating any blind spots and enabling the machine to out out dirty bands in a low vein at any elevation between the floor and the roof of such low roof mine chamber. 7

The kerf-cutter while in its underslung position shown in Fig. 29 may be adjusted to various elevations to have a high reach in a high roof mine chamber. For instance, if the pivot 304 shown in Fig. 29 is adjusted to its lowest position (Fig. 28) and locked there, the hydraulic motors 3I6 may be operated to swing their link structures on their axis I23. The pivot I34 will then move along an are having the pivot I23 as its center, and the rear hydraulic motor 306 will simply serve as a link between the rear end of the platform 52 and the rear end of the supporting unit 325 Since the upper ends of the hydraulic motors 3I6 are connected only to the link structures 3I5, the supporting unit 325 and the kerf-cutting apparatus mounted thereon, are.

fulcrumed on the axis I34, and the motor 306 acting as a link between the rear end of the platform 52 and the rear end of the support- 7 ing unit 325, cooperates with the transverse supporting bar I34 to retainthe Keri-cutter rigidly in adjusted position against movement either up and when the motors 3I6 are locked, the suprelatively low position. Fig. 33 shows the cutter porting unit 325 will. be held rigidly connected to the platform 52 and the turntable 5|.

By comparing Figs. 28 and 29, it will be seen that when the kerf-cutter is in its underslung position, it may be adjusted in elevation to occupy any horizontal plane between the bottom plane and plane indicated by the dotted lines I65. When the kerf-cutter is in top cutting position and occupies a horizontal plane it may be adjusted in elevation between the roofplane and the plane indicated by the dotted lines I65". The various adjustments therefore enable the kerf-cutter to cut in horizontal planes anywhere between the bottom cutting position, shown in Fig. 29, and the top cutting position shown in Fig. 28. Consequently, in a high roof mine chamber, a dirty band may be cut out from the mine vein at any elevation between the floor and roof of the mine room or mine entry.

Fig. 30 illustrates diagrammatically the adjustments which may be made for the cutting of 

